944 s transmission/ to 944

new driver · 02-08-2006, 09:35 PM

Will a 944 s not s2 but 87 s transmission fit a 88 944 , ratios are same I think thanks for help

Enthuzed1 · 02-08-2006, 09:39 PM

oh yah

I have an 88S transmission in my 87....did all the work myself....I don't know if i'm crazy, but the car feels more "willing" with the S tranny in it....or maybe I have peace of mind that the S transmission is much more stronger than the NA?......

josephsc · 02-08-2006, 10:04 PM

Hey, so do I! I put a 944S tranny into my 87 944 -- I did have an issue with the torque tube coupler not wanting to fit properly, though....

BTW, the 944S tranny has a shorter 5th gear -- which will give it more of a peppier feeling in 5th, but you will be revving higher and using more gas when cruising on the freeway. The 944spec racer types seem to prefer those short 5th gear, however.

Also, I heard that the S tranny is just as weak as the regular na tranny -- the Turbo and the S2 trannies were beefed up, however.

Enthuzed1 · 02-09-2006, 12:54 AM

hmmm...., i'm pretty sure i'ts stronger than the NA tranny....check my previous posts...I asked around before i made my decision to go for the S tranny instead of another NA....but then again.....I could be wrong....(guess I better stop peeling out until i know for sure, eh?

)

Brando · Brando's Garage

Honestly, I'd be looking for a 968 trans to swap in. I believe 5th is geared a little higher than the NA 4th gear, but 6th is taller than our 5th gear. I guess making an adapter plate would be the challenge, and a coupler long enough. Then again, I'm not sure if it bolts right up or not.

iobound · 02-09-2006, 02:35 AM

So, is the 'S' tranny a bolt in or not? I just bought one from an 87 to put into my 88 NA.

Techno Duck · Techno Duck's Garage

I am no expert, so please correct me if im wrong.

Yes, the S tranny will bolt in.

The 968 tranny will fit, however i am pretty sure you need to change the drivers side half shaft, shift linkage and shift rod. You also run into a problem of the 968 tranny not having a speed sensor hookup. If your car has ABS thats not much of a problem as this is how the 968 gets its speed signal. There are a couple of solutions to this however.

For an '88 944, i wouldnt do a 968 transmission, let alone a S2 or 951 transmission. The gearing is much different and your ~150hp will be a complete dog with its gearing. I believe the S transmission has a different R&P (same ratio however) compared to the regular 944 box, whether its strong is up for debate (you can do some burnouts if you really want to find out).

iobound · 02-09-2006, 09:13 AM

Actually I have 153hp :-) just kidding.

Thanks for the info. If I run into trouble I'll post.

02-13-2006, 07:06 PM

I have a 1987 944S tranny for sale. The factory built these with turbo gears and NA ring/pinion. The tranny is listed in the rennlist classifieds. Email me at patrat84@hotmail.com

Verruckt · 02-14-2006, 05:05 AM

It will fit. No problems. I installed a S trans into a friends 87 without a hitch.

SlowToady · 02-14-2006, 08:01 AM

You also need to swap out the gas tank for a 968 tranny, IIRC. Also, gears in the 968 tranny are wrong for an NA 944.

Do your guys' S trannies have LSD? How much did you pay for em, if you don't mind sharing?

josephsc · 02-14-2006, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SlowToady
Do your guys' S trannies have LSD? How much did you pay for em, if you don't mind sharing?

Yes -- a deal at $500, but I had to remove myself and it from a guy I do some occasional wrenching with.